Types of Headstones, Explained
There are four main types of headstones, and the cemetery section often decides which one you can choose. Here is how they differ.
Flat (flush) markers
Level with the grass. Accepted almost everywhere, including memorial parks. The most affordable option.
Bevel (pillow) markers
Low stones with a gently sloped face, a little higher at the back. Easier to read than a flat marker.
Slant markers
An angled face that stands above the grass, like a smaller upright. A middle ground in size and cost.
Upright monuments
The traditional headstone: an engraved die standing on a granite base. The most room for names, verses and artwork.
Single or companion
Any of these can be made for one person or, wider, for two. Companion stones are most often chosen by couples.
Common questions
Which type is most common?
Uprights are traditional in older cemeteries; flat markers are the most common in memorial parks and newer sections.
